Build-a-Bear's one day sale was so successful it was shut down — in some places, just hours after it began.
"We have closed lines in our U.S. and Canada stores."
The message went out about 11:30 a.m. EDT.
Before the stores opened in the U.S., the long lines caused the company to publish a notice on social media that it would limit the number of people who could take advantage of the deal due to safety concerns.
When the deal was announced Monday, parents were overjoyed at the opportunity to walk in and pick out a plush toy for the cost of their child's age. (A typical bear costs between $10-$25 plus the cost of accessories.)
That excitement turned to disappointment Thursday as eager children were turned away.
Livid parents took to social media in the U.S. and the U.K. to rage.
'Overwhelming and unprecendented'
Lines stretched outside Build-a-Bear stores with parents reporting waiting up to six hours to buy a plush toy, according to some social media reports.
Build-a-Bear representatives told All the Moms that the response to the promotion was "overwhelming and unprecedented."
"The response to our Pay Your Age Day event has been overwhelming and unprecedented in our 21-year history, and the safety of our Guests and associates is our top priority."
The company said it is "working to address the situation" and "will reach out directly to our valued guests as soon as possible."
To earn the Pay Your Age promotion, adults had to enroll in the free Build-a-Bear Bonus Club rewards program and provide an email address.
Build-a-Bear is expected to contact customers through their email.
MORE: Shut out of Build-a-Bear Pay Your Age Day? Try this birthday month deal instead.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Karl Lagerfeld, creative director for Chanel and Fendi, dead
19 Minutes ago
Improve your productivity with this iPhone app
19 Minutes ago
India, Spain discuss cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism
20 Minutes ago
'AGT: The Champions' crowns sleight-of-hand artist Shin Lim: 'Such a fun run'
24 Minutes ago
'The Bachelor' recap: Caelynn, Cassie involved in dramatic confrontations; 3 women go home
24 Minutes ago
West Virginia teachers go on strike: 'We're not going to back down'
24 Minutes ago
Mandy Moore on marriage to Ryan Adams: 'I felt like I was drowning'
25 Minutes ago
Spain wants 'final four' format for its Super Cup
29 Minutes ago
Wallace Broecker, scientist who made term 'global warming' popular, has died at 87
32 Minutes ago
I had a later abortion because I couldn't give my baby girl both life and peace
36 Minutes ago
HC junks plea asking media to use 'martyr' for reporting casualties in terror attacks
36 Minutes ago
Report: Hurricanes owner gave AAF $250 million after league was 'running short on cash'
40 Minutes ago
The 'Green New Deal' skips nuclear energy: Could be a mistake
41 Minutes ago
Karl Lagerfeld, creative director for Chanel and Fendi, dead
45 Minutes ago
Lightsaber duelling registered as official sport in France
46 Minutes ago
Wallace Broecker, scientist who made term 'global warming' popular, has died at 87
46 Minutes ago
West Virginia teachers to strike Tuesday: 'We are left with no other choice'
49 Minutes ago
Walk the talk: Mehbooba to Imran Khan on Pulwama attack
50 Minutes ago
Walk the talk: Mehbooba to Imran Khan on Pulwama attack
50 Minutes ago
Bernie Sanders says he's running for president in 2020
51 Minutes ago
'The Bern' returns: Bernie Sanders announces entry into crowded 2020 Democratic field
52 Minutes ago
Rajnath Singh reviews J&K situation; NSA, home secretary attend the meeting
53 Minutes ago
Want to go to Mars? NASA is looking for jokesters
56 Minutes ago
Why did Stonehenge's massive rocks come from Wales, 180 miles away?
59 Minutes ago
NRIS.COM is one of the premier NRI website that provides a range of resourceful services to Indian expats residing in the USA. Visiting the site you will find comprehensive information related to restaurants, casinos, pubs, temples, carpool, movies, education, real estate, and forums. The simple and easy to navigate format allows NRIs to gain information within a fraction of a second. Moreover, advertising through its column of Indian free classifieds in USA allow businesses to improve visibility of their brand.